| International Conference of Agricultural Economists: A chance to cement India-Africa partnership in food security |
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India has just finished hosting the 32nd International Conference of Agricultural Economists (ICAE) from August 2-7 in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the chief guest, and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was the guest of honour. India’s success in ushering in the green revolution and white (milk) revolution is well known. But the African continent is still struggling to overcome food shortages. Nutritional security, especially of children below the age of five, still remains a challenge for India and Africa. Given that the African Union was invited to be a permanent member of G20 during India’s Presidency, it opens the gates for India and Africa to learn from global developments in food and agriculture, and also promotes South-South collaboration and learning from each other to overcome their food and nutritional security challenges. Read more
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| Togo: the African Development Bank grants a loan of over USD 26 million to develop key agricultural sectors through private-sector investments |
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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group have approved a loan of US $26.55 million to Togo to implement the second phase of the Agro-Food Processing Zone Project. The aim is to provide the country with an industrial hub for processing agricultural products and establish a business zone to offer opportunities to young people and women in the Kara and Savanes regions, in the north and far north of the country, respectively. The project, approved in Abidjan on 19 July 2024, will also help to attract a significant level of private investment into key agricultural sectors, such as rice, maize, soya, sesame, cashew nuts and broiler chickens.
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| CALL FOR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS |
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Climate Research and Education to Advancing Green Development in Africa (CREATE-GreenAfrica)
Date of release of the Call: 24th July 2024 Deadline for submission of application: 6th September 2024
Background of the Project The European Union (EU), under its Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme, has provided funding to support the training of graduate students in African universities under the “Climate Research and Education to Advancing Green Development in Africa (CREATE-GreenAfrica)” project. The project is a mobility programme comprising six African partner institutions and one EU technical partner. This project aims to increase climate-oriented skills and qualifications across the African continent through mobility and experience sharing. CREATE-Green Africa will significantly contribute to advancing the knowledge and skills of students, trainees, consortium staff, and other non-consortium members on climate change adaptation and mitigation by ensuring the participation of women and girls, and the disadvantaged groups in the African continent in general and the consortium in particular. Apply here |
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| Can Kenya's Gen Z Lead an African Agriculture Revolution? |
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Kenyan Gen Z recently led a series of historic protests that resulted in Kenya’s President rejecting the Finance Bill 2023 and dissolving his cabinet. These protests are inspiring a wave of change, revolutions, and optimism in Kenya and the African continent. Importantly, these protests present Kenyans with a chance to reflect on governance and other fundamental issues, including food insecurity and hunger, youth unemployment, and an agricultural sector that is yet to deliver for Kenyans and the African continent. The agricultural sector, which is a source of livelihood for over 70% of African citizens if tapped upon by Gen Zs can offer a crucial part of the solution to this dilemma. For one, as a sector, agriculture provides multiple avenues for Gen Zs and youth to tap in from production all the way to marketing agricultural products to the consumers.Read More |
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| Youth entrepreneurship holds key to future of food, Agriculture in Africa |
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As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, youth entrepreneurship is emerging as a vital component in the quest for sustainable food systems and agricultural resilience. In Uganda, where over 70% of the population is under the age of 30, empowering young people to take up agriculture is seen as a critical step towards ensuring food security and economic growth.The African Development Bank estimates that over 10 million young people enter the labor market in Africa every year, with only 3 million finding formal employment. In Uganda, the agricultural sector is seen as a key driver of economic growth and employment opportunities for young people.Read more
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| Announcing the 10th Edition of Science by Women Program |
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10th Edition of the Science by Women program
Women for Africa Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the 10th edition of the Science by Women program. This initiative, known for its dedication to empowering African women in the scientific community, offers a unique opportunity for African women researchers to conduct their postdoctoral research in prestigious Spanish research centers. Since its inception in 2014, the Science by Women program has aimed to promote African women’s leadership in scientific research and technology transfer. This year, the program continues to expand, offering fellowships in key areas such as health, biomedicine, sustainable agriculture, food security, water, energy, and climate change. The application period is now open, and we invite qualified candidates to apply by September 30th, 2024. Read more
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| The Nation: Why we need to invest in sustainable food systems |
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Imagine going to your local market and finding empty shelves or skyrocketing prices for basic food items. This scenario isn’t far-fetched; it’s a potential reality if we don’t improve our food systems and farming practices.. With a rapidly growing population and climate change wreaking havoc on the world’s food, land, and water, we must adopt smarter, more sustainable methods of food production. These methods not only benefit the environment but also ensure our own health and economic stability. This is where sustainable food systems come in. Read more
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| Green Jobs for Rural Youth |
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Youth unemployment is at an all-time high in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. At the same time, populations are growing rapidly in these regions, increasing the need for meaningful employment opportunities. Decentralized renewable energy (DRE) technologies offer a promising solution by creating sustainable growth and green jobs. DRE technologies generate green electricity near the point of use, reducing reliance on centralized power plants, increasing productivity, and improving sustainability. This creates new and enhanced employment opportunities in rural communities, particularly in agriculture, the largest employer in these regions, with 50% to 85% of the labor force working in the sector.Read More
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| Call for Proposals: Private Sector for Food Systems |
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The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is offering grants to strengthen partnerships between the private sector and smallholder producers to stimulate investments in inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural value chains. Selection of an institution to co-design and implement the regional grant ‘Private Sector for Food Systems (PS4FS)’ through an open competitive selection. The selected entity will participate in the co-design and implementation of the project, fostering effective collaborations between private financial institutions, governments, value chain actors, financial institutions, food system actors, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), with the goal of advancing sustainable and inclusive rural development.
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| Navigating financial volatility: Crucial tips for young South African farmers |
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In South Africa's economic landscape, effective financial management is crucial for the success and sustainability of agricultural enterprises. According to the Land Bank, employment in agriculture grew by 27,000 (3.2%) in the first quarter of 2023, reaching 888,000.This positive trend highlights the critical role agriculture plays in providing employment and ensuring food security in the country. It also underscores the opportunity for organizations to provide significant support for entrepreneurs. Metropolitan is one such organization actively contributing to this space. The Metropolitan Collective Shapers programme, for example, equips young entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal's agriculture and farming sectors with substantial soft and technical skills, mentorship, and a business cash injection for top performers.Read More
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Becoming an AAAE member: The African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE) is a nonprofit association serving the professional interests of those working in agricultural and broadly related fields of development economics. Becoming a member of AAAE brings together people who work in the same industry and/or share common interests and goals. Please subscribe today and become a member to help in advocating for our shared purpose. |
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African Association of Agricultural Economists c/o University of Nairobi, C.A.V.S, Upper Kabete Campus Loresho Ridge Road, Nairobi, Kenya |
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